Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, fought back tears as she reflected on her tough loss to Sofia Kenin in the first round of the 2024 tournament. The 21-year-old British tennis star was visibly emotional in her post-match interview, admitting that she felt “sad” about not doing well in the tournament she won three years ago.
Raducanu struggled to find her rhythm throughout the match, ultimately losing 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to Kenin. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to replicate the form that saw her claim the title in 2021. The crowd, eager to see her repeat her previous success, watched in disappointment as Raducanu’s game fell apart.
When asked about her emotions after the match, Raducanu said, “I’m just sad, to be honest. I think I had high hopes coming into this tournament, and I didn’t perform well.” Her voice cracked as she fought to hold back tears, a poignant reminder of the pressure and expectation that comes with being a young champion.
Raducanu’s loss marks a disappointing start to her US Open campaign, but she remains determined to bounce back from the setback. “I’ll just have to learn from it and move on,” she said, her resolve evident despite her emotional state.
The young tennis star has faced a string of challenging matches in recent months, and her early exit from the US Open will undoubtedly be a tough pill to swallow. However, Raducanu’s resilience and determination will undoubtedly serve her well as she looks to regroup and refocus for her next tournament. With time and experience, she will likely regain her footing and return to the winner’s circle.
